Monday, 26 March 2012

The water buffalo or domestic Asian water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) is a large bovine animal, frequently used as livestock in the Indian Subcontinent, and also widely in South America, southern Europe, Northern Africa, and elsewhere.

In 2000, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization estimated there were approximately 158 million water buffalo in the world, with 97% of them (approximately 153 million animals) in Asia

Water buffalo have been domesticated for 5,000 years, and have become economically important animals. They provide more than 5% of the world’s milk supply and 20% to 30% of the farm power in Southeast Asia.

The water buffalo has promise as a major source of meat, even the milking ones. The water buffalo also is the classic work animal in Asia, an integral part of that continent’s traditional village farming structure. The domesticated water buffalo is often referred to as “the living tractor of the East”, as it is relied upon for ploughing and transportation in many parts of Asia - Wikipedia.

These are some of those found in Sabah, Borneo (Malaysia):

"Hello, mad at me for taking your pic?" - buffaloes mud-bathing on an abandoned paddy field. Sometimes they become a nuisance in the neighbourhood when they enter your compound in the middle of the night and 'slam dunk' their dunk at pleasure right infront of your gate.

"Alone with the buffalo?" - The Egretta Alba or great egret (the official mascot of Kota Kinabalu city) enjoying the company of the resting pack.

Monday, 19 March 2012

Located just 40 minutes by car away from Kota Kinabalu city in Sabah, Malaysia, Tuaran Beach Resort was formerly known as Sabandar Bay Resort. In 2007, it reopened again and began operations with a new outlook and approach to quality and guest satisfaction.

The Resort is situated along a 5-kilometre long beach lined with palm and casuarina trees fanned by the gentle sea breeze, Tuaran Beach Resort makes for a perfect getaway for relaxing lounges and exhilarating games and sports on the seaside.

Monday, 12 March 2012

The Public Bank was established in 1966 and today (as at the end of 2011) it is the largest non-government-linked corporation in Malaysia by market capitalisation. Public Bank Group currently operates in Malaysia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Hong Kong, China and Sri Lanka.

With a total of 401 branches and over 17,500 employees, the Public Bank Group serves the financial needs of over eight million customers from all walks of life in Malaysia and in other countries in which the Group operates. Public Bank Group the third largest banking group in Malaysia by asset size, with total assets of RM249 billion as at the end of 2011. - Public Bank homepage.

Public Bank tower standing next to Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia:-

Wednesday, 7 March 2012

Canon this month announced the 22.3MP EOS 5D Mark III Digital SLR Camera,which will be available in March 2012 (no launch date yet for Malaysia) for US$3499.

Image: Canon USA

The 5D Mark III body is based on the EOS 7D design and with a 61-point AF system similar to the one found in the EOS-1D X. It is a completely new model, with most of the key specs being substantially upgraded compared to the 5D Mark II.

Monday, 5 March 2012

Gibbons are rare, small, slender, long-armed, tree-dwelling apes. These very acrobatic primates live in southeast Asia. Gibbons are arboreal; they spend most of their lives in trees. Because they are so dextrous while moving in the trees, almost no predators can catch them. There are nine species of gibbons, including the siamang, which is the largest and darkest gibbon. Because of the rapid deforestation of their habitats, gibbons are an endangered species. - enchantedlearning.com

This macho black-faced gibbon is currently an occupant of Lok Kawi Zoo, located 10km South of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. Check out the other animals under their care here.